I couldn't resist the hype...

************Edited to Add:  Some of you have asked where I found my knock-off necklace.  I noticed that the seller is no longer on Ebay.  However, if you go to ebay and search "J. Crew Bubble Necklace," you will find a bunch of sellers in a similar price range and all varieties of color.********************************************************************


You know what I'm talking about. 

Source: gabbagabbagorg.tumblr.com via Apples on Pinterest

You've heard other bloggers post about it. 

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Jesslyn on Pinterest

You've seen it all over Pinterest.

Source: futilish.com via Elke on Pinterest

Yes, I'm referring to the iconic J. Crew Bubble Necklace.  Not the real one, mind you.  But, the knock-off version that can be found on Ebay for the incredibly low price of $13.99 (said in my best QVC salesperson voice).

I couldn't resist and had to buy one for myself.  I anxiously awaited it's arrival from China.  About three weeks after ordering, this beauty arrived in my mailbox.  I think I've worn it every day since.

If you've thought about ordering one of these, DO IT!  The quality is great, as is the price.  I kind of want one in every color.

Spring Into Action: Week 3

This is the final week of the Spring Into Action challenge, where a group of bloggers committed to finishing a project that we've been dragging our feet on.

I chose to build shelves in my TV nook in my living room.  Here's how this area has evolved over the past year:

Bland and Boring

My first and last attempt at abstract art.

Leftover Christmas decor.

This is what it looked like three weeks ago when the challenge began.

Stencil Madness.



I scavenged my house to find things to fill the shelves.  Here's what it looks like now:

Next, I decided to try adding a gallery wall behind the TV using some art that I found at an estate sale.

This was starting to look a little too busy for me:

Styling is definitely NOT my strong point.  Where's Emily Henderson when I need her???  By the way, did you see that she just redid her office in navy.  It looks amazing.

I took some things out:

Added them back in and moved some things around:

Just as a reminder, here's how it started:


What do you think?  Do you prefer the really full look or the more spare look?  I'm definitely not a stylist, so I truly appreciate all of your comments, suggestions and feedback. 

Thanks to Linda of My Crafty Home Life for putting this challenge together and giving us a kick to finish our projects!

Check out the other challengers completed projects here:
Tiffany – Living Savvy

Kerry – Design du Monde

Laurie – Traditional & Modern

Cathy – Room Rx

Carrie – Hazardous Design

Lisa – A Room with A View

Sam – The Junk House

Becca – from Gardners 2 Bergers

Jean – Flower Hill Design

Nancy – Powell & Brower Home

Linda – My Crafty Home Life

Missoni for Target

The good old chevron or zigzag pattern has provided lots of fodder for blogs.  We all love a good chevron dresser makeover, right?

The granddaddy of the zigzag is the Italian knitware designer Missoni.  Here are some of their clothes that are available at Saks.

Source: saksfifthavenue.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: saksfifthavenue.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: saksfifthavenue.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

As you can imagine, this clothing does not come cheap.  The pink ombre skirt alone is $3300.

Luckily for us chevron-lovers, Missoni has teamed up with my favorite store Target (or Tar-zhay, if you are feeling french and fancy) and will have a collection coming out September 13. 

Source: huffingtonpost.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

The collection reportedly will have over 400 items, including lots of things for the home such as sheets and dinnerware.  Here's a little preview:

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

I love this blanket and really want to see what the reverse blue side looks like.

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

The tote above is super cute.
There are even items for your littlest fashionistas.

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Here are a couple of things from the home collection.  I'm really curious about what else they might have.

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

I think these plates could look amazing in a plate wall display.

Source: allthewayuphere.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Someone who is good at sewing and a perfectionist, definitely not me, could knock off that ruffle pillow.  Given Target's prices, however, it might be cheaper to just snag their version.

I guess the zigzag is not over, seeing that it is now at one of America's largest and most-loved retailers.  On the other hand, maybe some high-style people would say it's over now that it has reached the mass market.

What say you?